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A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy: Walking With Mary from Conception to Baptism
In A Catholic Mother's Companion to Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism popular Catholic blogger and speaker Sarah A. Reinhard presents the first book to accompany expectant mothers from conception to baptism. This book includes weekly reflections and prayers rooted in the mysteries of the Rosary and related to the baby s physical development.
Designed to help expectant mothers embrace pregnancy as an opportunity for spiritual growth, A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy prepares mothers for the trials and joys of pregnancy, childbirth, baptism, and, ultimately, motherhood.
Each week of pregnancy is paired with a mystery of the Rosary, a personal, down-to-earth reflection from Reinhard, advice for living the sacramental life, and a prayer to help the reader grow in faith as she bonds with her unborn child.
Designed to help expectant mothers embrace pregnancy as an opportunity for spiritual growth, A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy prepares mothers for the trials and joys of pregnancy, childbirth, baptism, and, ultimately, motherhood.
Each week of pregnancy is paired with a mystery of the Rosary, a personal, down-to-earth reflection from Reinhard, advice for living the sacramental life, and a prayer to help the reader grow in faith as she bonds with her unborn child.
238 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2012
28 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Sarah A. Reinhard
9 books309 followersCatholic wife, mom, word nerd, and coffee addict living in Ohio in the midst of family, village, and lovely chaos. Always reading at least a stack of books simultaneously and always looking for recs.
Author in the past, reader in the present. Who knows what the future may hold? ;)
Author in the past, reader in the present. Who knows what the future may hold? ;)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 29, 2012
A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy by Sarah A. Reinhard arrived on our doorstep somewhere in the second half of my pregnancy. I will admit that I was a little skeptical that there would be much new in the book for me given that I was currently smack dab in the middle of my eleventh pregnancy. I was surprised to find that there were things for even a seasoned Mom to glean from this book.
First, this book is not full of the nitty gritty physical and medical aspects of what is going on when you are pregnant. If that is the kind of book you are looking for, this one is not for you. Second, this is not a book that you will sit down and read in large chunks. This is a book meant to be taken in slowly in small pieces over time. Unless it arrives in your home when you are already most of the way through your pregnancy. Then you just might find yourself reading the entire thing at once.
What this book is a spiritual guide to the path you travel when expecting a new baby. Each chapter covers a week of your pregnancy. Your experiences are covered from a faith based or emotional perspective. Each chapter ends with a short prayer that is relavent to that phase of your pregnancy.
I'll admit that a few weeks after our baby died, I saw this book laying on my bedroom floor and found myself reaching for it. Yes, that seems a little strange to some folks I suppose. But I had remembered seeing something in the book on stillbirth so I found myself sitting on the floor paging through the book looking for something that might help me sort out the mess in my mind. Although the topic was covered very briefly, it did help me to realize that the path we are currently walking is not one we are traveling alone. I suppose my one complaint was that the topic was touched on so briefly that I felt a need to read more. I know folks do not like to dwell on the possibility of losing a baby rather than bringing one home but when it happens, you need something to lean on without leaving the house.
One particular section of the book that spoke to me the first time I read it was the reminder to pray for our husbands. My husband often reminds me that it's incredibly hard for him to connect to the baby during pregnancy or to watch the times I'm in pain for some reason or another. There is something about a pregnancy that can leave a husband feeling incredibly helpless. Our last pregnancy was full of so many minor bumps in the road that I know he was feeling particularly helpless this time around. The reminder to focus on praying for him and the burdens he carries was particularly needed.
If we are blessed with another pregnancy, I hope to be able to say that I was able to spend time each week reading this book and praying my way through each week. But until that time, I hope to recommend this book to other expectant mothers, both first time moms and those of the more seasoned variety. We can all use the reminder provided that each chance to carry a new life is the greatest gift and miracle that will ever touch your life.
First, this book is not full of the nitty gritty physical and medical aspects of what is going on when you are pregnant. If that is the kind of book you are looking for, this one is not for you. Second, this is not a book that you will sit down and read in large chunks. This is a book meant to be taken in slowly in small pieces over time. Unless it arrives in your home when you are already most of the way through your pregnancy. Then you just might find yourself reading the entire thing at once.
What this book is a spiritual guide to the path you travel when expecting a new baby. Each chapter covers a week of your pregnancy. Your experiences are covered from a faith based or emotional perspective. Each chapter ends with a short prayer that is relavent to that phase of your pregnancy.
I'll admit that a few weeks after our baby died, I saw this book laying on my bedroom floor and found myself reaching for it. Yes, that seems a little strange to some folks I suppose. But I had remembered seeing something in the book on stillbirth so I found myself sitting on the floor paging through the book looking for something that might help me sort out the mess in my mind. Although the topic was covered very briefly, it did help me to realize that the path we are currently walking is not one we are traveling alone. I suppose my one complaint was that the topic was touched on so briefly that I felt a need to read more. I know folks do not like to dwell on the possibility of losing a baby rather than bringing one home but when it happens, you need something to lean on without leaving the house.
One particular section of the book that spoke to me the first time I read it was the reminder to pray for our husbands. My husband often reminds me that it's incredibly hard for him to connect to the baby during pregnancy or to watch the times I'm in pain for some reason or another. There is something about a pregnancy that can leave a husband feeling incredibly helpless. Our last pregnancy was full of so many minor bumps in the road that I know he was feeling particularly helpless this time around. The reminder to focus on praying for him and the burdens he carries was particularly needed.
If we are blessed with another pregnancy, I hope to be able to say that I was able to spend time each week reading this book and praying my way through each week. But until that time, I hope to recommend this book to other expectant mothers, both first time moms and those of the more seasoned variety. We can all use the reminder provided that each chance to carry a new life is the greatest gift and miracle that will ever touch your life.
March 8, 2021
Nothing *too* deep, but a good way to call the focus back to the higher plane of pregnancy- the unrepeatable soul being formed! It also helps to keep that staple of prayer when you're not feeling up to it. I plan to go through this one again with my next pregnancy.
September 25, 2019
I haven’t read it cover-to-cover because it was given to me in the middle of pregnancy but I skimmed earlier sections, read sections that applied to us and the concluding parts about labor, birth, postpartum and baptism. I liked it a lot. It was a little dated on the web resources which is understandable—I didn’t realize how old this book was. It refers to the rosary a lot which isn’t part of my regular devotions but it wasn’t off-putting; it made interesting connections between pregnancy and all the various mysteries of the rosary. I certainly meditate on Mary’s pregnancy as I’m going through this but this book highlights other aspects of the life of Jesus and Mary as they may relate.
January 1, 2021
I definitely need to reread this for every single one! So reassuring to be reminded of Mary’s walk with Jesus and how to use prayer to connect my walk more with hers.
October 9, 2012
So many of the crosses I have are made heavier by my approach to them. Instead of just walking along and dealing with them, I spend energy complaining, dreading, and trying to avoid them. Rather than offer them to God or--better yet--rather than asking him to help me, I try to do it just like my toddler insists, "By myself!"Full disclosure: Sarah is a friend of mine.
When Jesus carried his cross, it wasn't easy. But it did end. Our crosses aren't forever. If there's an aspect of your pregnancy that is a cross for you, turn to this mystery in a special way. Ask Mary to help you turn your focus toward the One who stands ready to help you carry it.
Second full disclosure: That didn't make me want to read this book.
Final full disclosure: When forced by the bonds of friendship to grudgingly read it, I loved it. Now, that's a good book!
This is not a "what to expect when you're expecting" book, although some of those elements are contained within. This book feeds the inner mother-to-be as well as reassuring her about the outward changes she encounters. Covering the pregnancy week by week, Sarah Reinhard discusses physical changes for mother and baby, but then goes on to reflect on a mystery of the rosary as seen through the lens of that stage of pregnancy. She then encourages the reader with a small faith-related task to focus on for the week and then highlights an element of the Catholic faith.
Labor and Delivery, and Baptism both have their own sections with similar combinations of practical and spiritual guidance. A few sections contain features written by women with a unique experience of motherhood, such as The Unexpected Child or The Joy of Mothering Many. All of the book is imbued with Reinhard's practical experience and inspirational reminders.One Small Step
As Catholics, we begin and end every prayer with the Sign of the Cross. It's part of our faith tradition. this week, focus on the Sign of the Cross as a prayer in its own right. Trace a cross on your husband's forehead before he leaves for work (if that's too weird, simply do it in your mind), and tell him you are praying for him. For many husbands, seeing the discomfort of their wives at the end of pregnancy (and during labor and delivery) is a version of standing at the foot of the Cross. Ask Mary to remain close to you and your husband as you journey closer to meeting this baby.
Reinhard is reassuring, down to earth, and sympathetic without ever being sappy or unrealistic. This is a book that I'm going to be giving to many of my friends who are young mothers. Certainly I will be handing a copy to each of my daughters when they are at this point in their lives. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2012
Review copy through Netgally. I contributed a sidebar/short to this book.
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My full review is available at my blog here: http://wp.me/p8I00-1u1, but this is the conclusion:
This book would be a great gift for women who are a) Catholic and b) disciplined enough to read a week-by-week pregnancy guide. The weekly segments are only a few pages each, and so take little time to read, but are deep enough that you can keep thinking about them afterward. Although the format is unassuming, there’s plenty of food for thought.
The book does deal with Catholic practices such as the rosary, litanies, and the sacraments, so it might be a bit inaccessible to women outside the Catholic tradition, but I don’t think anyone would find them intimidating. The descriptions are at a level that anyone would be able to understand, so a Catholic woman who wants to get in greater touch with her faith would find a really good overview of just about everything here.
I’d recommend this book either for pregnant Catholic women or as a gift for a Catholic mom, and not necessarily a first-time mom, either.
Thank you, Sarah, for letting me preview this book, and thank you also for including Emily’s story.
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My full review is available at my blog here: http://wp.me/p8I00-1u1, but this is the conclusion:
This book would be a great gift for women who are a) Catholic and b) disciplined enough to read a week-by-week pregnancy guide. The weekly segments are only a few pages each, and so take little time to read, but are deep enough that you can keep thinking about them afterward. Although the format is unassuming, there’s plenty of food for thought.
The book does deal with Catholic practices such as the rosary, litanies, and the sacraments, so it might be a bit inaccessible to women outside the Catholic tradition, but I don’t think anyone would find them intimidating. The descriptions are at a level that anyone would be able to understand, so a Catholic woman who wants to get in greater touch with her faith would find a really good overview of just about everything here.
I’d recommend this book either for pregnant Catholic women or as a gift for a Catholic mom, and not necessarily a first-time mom, either.
Thank you, Sarah, for letting me preview this book, and thank you also for including Emily’s story.
January 1, 2016
I heard word that Sarah was planning this book a few years ago. At that time, I wasn't planning on adding to my family.
Fast forward to now -- as I hold my sweet new baby in my arms ... I NEEDED this book last fall, to read through during my fifth pregnancy. My pregnancy was very much planned, but I struggled with the aches and pains of being an 'older' mother, chasing after a rambunctious set of twins as well as my older daughters. I whined .... a LOT.
Sarah's writing style is so easy, like you're sitting down to drink coffee and chat with an old friend. She admits that pregnancy isn't always easy, and I love how she connects pregnancy with the mysteries of the Rosary. I also enjoyed seeing guest appearances from other favorite Catholic writers like Dorian Speed and Leticia Velasquez.
Even though I have walked this road of pregnancy, labor and baptism many times, this book offers me a helping hand. It's a concrete reminder that I have a spiritual army of saints to lean on, as well as many women traveling the same path.
Thank you, Sarah, for this labor of love.
Fast forward to now -- as I hold my sweet new baby in my arms ... I NEEDED this book last fall, to read through during my fifth pregnancy. My pregnancy was very much planned, but I struggled with the aches and pains of being an 'older' mother, chasing after a rambunctious set of twins as well as my older daughters. I whined .... a LOT.
Sarah's writing style is so easy, like you're sitting down to drink coffee and chat with an old friend. She admits that pregnancy isn't always easy, and I love how she connects pregnancy with the mysteries of the Rosary. I also enjoyed seeing guest appearances from other favorite Catholic writers like Dorian Speed and Leticia Velasquez.
Even though I have walked this road of pregnancy, labor and baptism many times, this book offers me a helping hand. It's a concrete reminder that I have a spiritual army of saints to lean on, as well as many women traveling the same path.
Thank you, Sarah, for this labor of love.
September 18, 2012
http://through-my-is.blogspot.com/201...
check out my review above
check out my review above
October 3, 2017
I cannot wait to be pregnant again so I can read this book! The weekly reflections allowed me a new perspective to each step of pregnancy. I always wished I could have more pages to read, but at the same time it was enough each week that it wasn't a burden. It was neat to imagine Mary going through her pregnancy and doing a special prayer each week. I recommend to all Catholic expectant mothers!
February 16, 2024
I’m an 11 year old male, but this book changed my life. I’m in awe with Sarah’s writing style. She genuinely is the rawest and most fluid author to exist. The only emoji that describes this book is: 😍😍😍!
December 30, 2024
This book is beautiful. I would look forward to reading a chapter each week as it guided me, hand in hand with Mary, through my pregnancy. The author has an inspiring and incredible story of motherhood and I felt it so easy to relate to the beauties and challenges she faced.
February 13, 2019
It wasn't for me but I am sure some women will find it wonderful.
January 21, 2013
Whenever a book gets as unswervingly glowing reviews as Sarah Reinhard's A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy, I get suspicious. But in this case, the book lives up to the hype.
First, some general thoughts, and then I'll outline structure.
A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy is unique for its fusion of Catholic faith study with pregnancy guide. This book feels like a conversation with a friend who's going through pregnancy at the same time as you, and who shares your faith and priorities. Her self-reflections illuminate yours; her wisdom offers not only religious reflections, but practical advice like keeping track of the silly specifics (foods you like, foods you loathe)--details that will fade with time.
Reinhard has a gift for drawing out all that is most holy about the human experience. She connects the familiar and tactile with the conceptual: for instance, when she talks about the unborn baby's fingernails, she suggests imagining painting them with fingernail polish--or cleaning dirt from beneath them!
This gift for making connections is especially poignant when Reinhard applies it to Jesus and Mary. Until I read A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy, it had never occurred to me that Mary might have had morning sickness. And this quote, about Jesus, made in the context of the finding in the temple, took my breath away: "I find comfort...in the idea that (Jesus) wasn't born with all the knowledge he needed."
Part 1 traces pregnancy week by week. The introduction tells you what's up with the baby and your body at this time in pregnancy. Some sections also include topics both universal (when do you tell people?) and not (unintended pregnancy, disability, etc.).
Walking with Mary uses the mysteries of the Rosary to reflect on motherhood and Mary--and most importantly, what we can learn from it. This structure means facing both joyful and difficult topics head-on, but always through the lens of faith.
One Small Step suggests weekly action items, such as regarding church attendance from the perspective of what I can give instead of what I can get out of it. These lessons focus outward instead of inward, which is an interesting take on a time of life when we tend to be pretty myopically focused on ourselves.
In Faith Focus, Reinhard offers saint stories, Scriptures, reflections on the Sacraments and important Church documents. Each week wraps up with a prayer.
Part 2 reflects on preparing for labor and delivery. Reinhard urges mothers to approach it not only as a physical and mental experience, but a spiritual one--one you can and should pray your way through. The "walking with Mary" theme continues here, and Reinhard offers wisdom to help navigate the postpartum time. Ask for help, she urges, and prioritize so that what's most important (like rest!) becomes possible.
In Part 3, Reinhard continues where most pregnancy guides leave off. Pregnancy and childbirth, after all, are only the beginning of raising a child in the faith. She gives an overview of baptism, including why we baptize babies instead of waiting until the age of reason. She suggests a good starting place for finding community and faith formation resources online as well as thoughts about godparents, and living faith into the future.
This book is an amazing resource, and I can only echo what others have said: every expecting mother should have this, no matter how many times she's been through the process.
First, some general thoughts, and then I'll outline structure.
A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy is unique for its fusion of Catholic faith study with pregnancy guide. This book feels like a conversation with a friend who's going through pregnancy at the same time as you, and who shares your faith and priorities. Her self-reflections illuminate yours; her wisdom offers not only religious reflections, but practical advice like keeping track of the silly specifics (foods you like, foods you loathe)--details that will fade with time.
Reinhard has a gift for drawing out all that is most holy about the human experience. She connects the familiar and tactile with the conceptual: for instance, when she talks about the unborn baby's fingernails, she suggests imagining painting them with fingernail polish--or cleaning dirt from beneath them!
This gift for making connections is especially poignant when Reinhard applies it to Jesus and Mary. Until I read A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy, it had never occurred to me that Mary might have had morning sickness. And this quote, about Jesus, made in the context of the finding in the temple, took my breath away: "I find comfort...in the idea that (Jesus) wasn't born with all the knowledge he needed."
Part 1 traces pregnancy week by week. The introduction tells you what's up with the baby and your body at this time in pregnancy. Some sections also include topics both universal (when do you tell people?) and not (unintended pregnancy, disability, etc.).
Walking with Mary uses the mysteries of the Rosary to reflect on motherhood and Mary--and most importantly, what we can learn from it. This structure means facing both joyful and difficult topics head-on, but always through the lens of faith.
One Small Step suggests weekly action items, such as regarding church attendance from the perspective of what I can give instead of what I can get out of it. These lessons focus outward instead of inward, which is an interesting take on a time of life when we tend to be pretty myopically focused on ourselves.
In Faith Focus, Reinhard offers saint stories, Scriptures, reflections on the Sacraments and important Church documents. Each week wraps up with a prayer.
Part 2 reflects on preparing for labor and delivery. Reinhard urges mothers to approach it not only as a physical and mental experience, but a spiritual one--one you can and should pray your way through. The "walking with Mary" theme continues here, and Reinhard offers wisdom to help navigate the postpartum time. Ask for help, she urges, and prioritize so that what's most important (like rest!) becomes possible.
In Part 3, Reinhard continues where most pregnancy guides leave off. Pregnancy and childbirth, after all, are only the beginning of raising a child in the faith. She gives an overview of baptism, including why we baptize babies instead of waiting until the age of reason. She suggests a good starting place for finding community and faith formation resources online as well as thoughts about godparents, and living faith into the future.
This book is an amazing resource, and I can only echo what others have said: every expecting mother should have this, no matter how many times she's been through the process.
July 15, 2014
Yay! I had a baby! I read this book while I was pregnant! I think I'll read it again the next time I'm pregnant! It was a great book! So like, when you're pregnant you have about a million different feelings, some good, some bad, lots scared, some totally freaking exhausted, some just really grateful and in awe of everything. Reinhard covers all of these, speaks from her own heart and experience of pregnancy (and she's not a big mooshy Preganancy is Soooo Great gal, in fact readily admitting that she is not the natural mommyish type and had her own struggles with the process), finds guidance in biblical stories -- especially in the example of the Holy Family -- and offers simple, succinct prayers for each week of pregnancy. I'd often forget to read on a week by week basis, but when I needed solace, comfort, and a friendly voice who'd been there and could see it through a Catholic perspective, this book was really there for me. It was lovely. Thank you Sarah. Thanks, Happy Catholic, for recommending it. Thanks baby, for being so cute and so worth it!
March 3, 2013
Well I honestly don't know where to begin! This book was a true god sent.As a practising Orthodox Christian it was easier for me to relate to an experience of a catholic mother, then to any other Protestant/Christian book on pregnancy that is available. I really liked the reality of the down to earth writing, and the honesty of it, but it doesn't mean that I never smiled while I was going through the pages, I did, and a lot. So, all in all a very good thoughtful and thought provoking book that gives you a chance to consider a completely different outlook on pregnancy and beyond.
January 1, 2013
This book has been my favorite literary discovery in my pregnancy. In a week-by-week format, it references the baby’s development and other pregnancy issues, but focuses more on helping you use your pregnancy experience as a sacred time to grow closer to God and bond spiritually with your child. Highly recommend!
June 24, 2016
Sarah Reinhard's book offered some very good points for meditation. It was nice at times to read from a woman of faith who struggled with the way pregnancy changed her very self and led her to (albeit small) sins -- like self-pity.
Reinhard also offers some excellent suggestions for meditating and praying through labour and delivery.
Reinhard also offers some excellent suggestions for meditating and praying through labour and delivery.
Want to read
October 18, 2012OK ... I'm not pregnant nor Catholic but there is something about the excerpt (which I read on Pathos) that really intrigue me. I'll keep you posted.
August 9, 2013
I wish I had this book when I was pregnant! A great book and I highly recommend it.
November 25, 2013
I'm sure this book was lovely and helpful. I only read parts of it because I was very busy being pregnant and I didn't read much of anything. Maybe I'll give it another shot next time...
April 12, 2014
Loved this book. Would recommend it to any Catholic woman who is pregnant!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews